Justice or Injustice for Trayvon?

“The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America. I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken. I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son. And as we do, we should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and understanding in our own communities. We should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis. We should ask ourselves, as individuals and as a society, how we can prevent future tragedies like this. As citizens, that’s a job for all of us. That’s the way to honor Trayvon Martin.” -President Obama

After a Florida jury acquitted George Zimmerman of all charges in the death of Trayvon Martin, protestors took to the streets to show their frustration with the verdict and the justice system. #JusticeForTrayvon rallies were held all over the country. Peaceful protests spread throughout city streets and neighborhoods. The results of the trial sparked a large debate over racial profiling, self defense and equal justice.

“We lost a young man due to senseless violence, but justice did not prevail,” Adora Obi Nweze, president of the Florida NAACP State Conference, said in a statement.

“The death of Trayvon Martin shows that we must all work harder to shed the dangerous stereotypes that can have devastating consequences for individuals, families and our society,” Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said in a statement.

Community activist, Quanell X, shared his feelings about the verdict in a heated debate:

In the upcoming days, we will hear from various community activists on the subject of racial profiling and injustice in the judicial system.

Share with us your thoughts on the Zimmerman verdict. What do you think should be done to prevent incidents like this from happening again?